HC Deb 14 July 1971 vol 821 c480
18. Mr. Tom McMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he now has for forming a passenger transport authority in the Glasgow region.

33. Dr. Dickson Mabon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet reached a decision on a passenger transport authority in the greater Glasgow area ; and if he will make a statement on the timetable for preparing designation orders.

Mr. Younger

I am inviting the local authorities concerned to meet me in Glasgow to discuss the matter. My right hon. Friend will make his decision when he has had an opportunity to consider their views. Meanwhile, the question of a timetable for designation orders does not arise.

Mr. McMillan

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Before he meets the local authorities in Glasgow, will he study the success of transport authorities in other areas?

Mr. Younger

That is undoubtedly one factor to be borne in mind in the consultations.

Dr. Mabon

When will this meeting be? How long will it be before the Secretary of State takes a decision on a matter which has been pending for some time? Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that financially there will be no interruption in the subsidies given to British Rail in the area?

Mr. Younger

The date is now purely a matter for the convenience of those concerned, the local authorities and myself, and we shall try to arrange a date as soon as is mutually convenient. All relevant factors will be taken into account in our discussions. In the meantime, rail grants for the Glasgow area will not be affected by the negotiations and we shall have plenty of time to have the negotiations before there is any doubt about that.